Setting correct cylinder gap for shrouded barrels

[Humbo]

I'm trying to figure out how one sets the correct cylinder gap for shrouded revolver barrels, like on the S&W X-frame revolvers. Is there something that needs to be fitted on the barrel/frame, or is it simply to screw the barrel in until the correct gap is achieved and leave it there?

[Bullwolf]

I'm trying to figure out how one sets the correct cylinder gap for shrouded revolver barrels, like on the S&W X-frame revolvers. Is there something that needs to be fitted on the barrel/frame, or is it simply to screw the barrel in until the correct gap is achieved and leave it there?

I've seen X-frame revolvers modified to use a Dan Wesson barrel nut, so I would just go with the Dan Wesson method of setting the barrel to cylinder gap, and use a feeler gauge.

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Manufacturers/Dan%20Wesson%20Revolvers/The%20Dan%20Wesson%20Revolvers_files/bc15.jpg

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Manufacturers/Dan%20Wesson%20Revolvers/The%20Dan%20Wesson%20Revolvers_files/bc16.jpg

If you are not familiar with the Dan Wesson interchange barrel system, there's a pretty good write up about it in the link below.

http://milpas.cc/rifles/ZFiles/Manufacturers/Dan%20Wesson%20Revolvers/The%20Dan%20Wesson%20Revolvers.htm

I put the feeler gauge between the cylinder and barrel and then gently screw in the barrel until I get light contact, then I install the barrel shroud and lock down the barrel nut.

It's a good idea to check the gap on each individual cylinder hole, as some cylinders are not square or true. As an added precaution after tightening the barrel nut I go back and check the gap again afterwards to make sure nothing moved.

Dan Wesson provided a .006 gauge with most revolvers they sold.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62556&d=1361953817

With the exception of the Supermag Revolvers. Some Supermags (but not all) came with an .002 gauge.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=150758&d=1444354470

Often I'll just use an automotive feeler gauge set instead.

http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/08/feelergauges_700.jpg

I typically run a cylinder gap of .004 on my Dan Wesson 357, and it's always been good for a range session of 50-100 cast boolits without any problems. If you get fouling build up on the cylinder face and experience binding, I would go with the default .006 instead.

I've always ran .002 on the 445 Supermag, and again have never had cylinder binding problems doing so.


- Bullwolf

[Humbo]

Bullwolf, thank you for your reply. The regular X-frame revolvers don't have a barrel nut, but I believe barrel is torqued down with a special kind of wrench that engages the rifling. But if it is as easy to just torque the barrel down until the required cylinder gap is achieved, I don't know.